united nations –
The United States proposed a rival UN Security Council resolution emphasizing “support for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza as soon as practicable,” according to a document seen by Reuters on Monday.
The U.S. government has abhorred the term ceasefire in any U.N. action regarding the Israel-Hamas war, but the U.S. draft text echoes language that President Joe Biden said he used in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week. is reflected.
The US draft document also states that “under the current circumstances, a large-scale ground attack on Rafah would result in further damage to civilians and further displacement, including potentially to neighboring countries.” I judge that.
Israel plans to storm Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1 million Palestinians have fled, prompting international concerns that such a move could sharply worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. is causing concern.
The draft U.S. resolution emphasizes that such a large-scale ground attack should not proceed under the current circumstances, as such measures would have “serious implications for peace and security in the region.” It has said.
It was not immediately clear when or if the draft resolution would be put to a vote by the 15-member council.
The United States submitted the document after Algeria on Saturday requested a Council vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield immediately announced her intention to veto the bill.
The US government has traditionally protected its ally Israel from UN action, and has already vetoed council resolutions twice since October 7. However, it twice abstained, allowing the Council to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and long-term suspension of humanitarian operations, with the aim of increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In combat.
The United States, Egypt, Israel and Qatar are seeking negotiations for a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Algeria introduced its first resolution more than two weeks ago. But Thomas-Greenfield said the document could jeopardize “delicate negotiations” regarding hostages.
The war in Gaza began on October 7 when fighters from Hamas, the militant group that runs Gaza, attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages.
In retaliation, Israel launched a military offensive into Gaza that health officials say has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians and feared thousands more bodies were lost in the ruins.
Report by Michelle Nichols.Editing: Cynthia Osterman
